Washington DC – The National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) today welcomed news from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) that Colombia has met all milestones required for completion by the June 15, 2011 deadline under the "Action Plan Related to Labor Rights," an important step in moving forward with the U.S.-Colombia free trade agreement (FTA).

"We commend the Colombian government for upholding its commitment to the Action Plan by meeting all milestones required by the June 15 deadline," said NFTC President Bill Reinsch. "Colombia has made great strides in the past decade in improving labor rights, and today's announcement makes it clear that the Santos Administration is dedicated to further improving the lives of Colombian workers. We are pleased that the Administration has recognized this as a significant step, and urge them to submit the implementing legislation for the Colombia, Panama and Korea FTAs to Congress as soon as possible."

"We also recognize that the difference of opinion over TAA is at this point the only substantive roadblock preventing consideration of the FTAs, and we ask Congress and the Administration to redouble their efforts to devise a solution as soon as possible," said Reinsch.

"Today's announcement is encouraging, as it brings us closer to implementing an agreement with Colombia, which is necessary in ensuring that U.S. goods and services maintain a prominent presence there," said NFTC Vice President for Regional Trade Initiatives Chuck Dittrich. "With other countries working to implement trade agreements with Colombia, now is the time to move forward. All remaining issues on the Korea and Panama FTAs have also been resolved, and the NFTC encourages the Administration to submit to Congress implementing legislation for all three pending trade agreements immediately."

About NFTCAdvancing Global Commerce for Nearly A Century- The National Foreign Trade Council (www.nftc.org) is a leading business organization advocating an open, rules-based global trading system. Founded in 1914 by a broad-based group of American companies, the NFTC now serves hundreds of member companies through its offices in Washington and New York. Follow us on: